Tax Analyst 2

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

5d•$60,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Tax Analyst 2 works in the Department of Revenue’s Division of Taxpayer Services, reviewing and defending income tax audits appealed by taxpayers. The role conducts legal and tax research, analyzes issues to determine whether audit positions are defensible, prepares written discovery requests, evaluates the taxpayer’s and Department’s positions, and modifies assessments when appropriate. The analyst provides complex analysis and expertise to Income Tax Audit Units and represents them at hearings and appeals, including preparing written legal memoranda and, when appropriate, preparing, filing, and arguing appeals of Hearing Officer decisions before the Director. The analyst may also assist the Attorney General’s Office with litigated income tax cases through case background, research, or testimony, and provide support to other Appeals Units as needed. The position also helps develop and manage Lean and continuous-improvement approaches for the Unit, including identifying non-value-added process steps and recommending ways to integrate Lean methods into division-wide improvement efforts. The position may be eligible for remote work within Arizona, with one day per week in the office or a hoteling space; remote work is subject to management approval and may be discontinued at the agency’s discretion.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state income tax law, including Arizona Revised Statutes Titles 42 and 43, related administrative rules, Internal Revenue Codes and regulations, tax rulings, and Department tax procedures and policies.
Knowledge of general legal principles related to tax issues, confidentiality statutes, and the administrative hearing process.
Some knowledge of auditing principles and practices and use of various computer software programs.
Skill in conducting tax research in databases, on the internet, or in a library.
Skill in recognizing and applying appropriate statutes, rules, rulings, and case law to appeals and other projects.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively orally and in writing, including advocacy before administrative tribunals.
Skill in negotiating resolutions of contested cases and establishing good interpersonal relationships with coworkers, tax professionals, and the public.
Skills in utilizing artificial intelligence systems.
Ability to recognize issues and solve problems, and communicate with a wide range of people in informal and formal settings.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background and clearance process, including Arizona tax compliance verification and an FBI criminal background check through Level One fingerprint clearance with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Ability to be accountable for work assignments and collaborate as part of a team.
Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Ability to learn and apply Lean/Continuous Improvement concepts, principles, and tools.
Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values: Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another.
Final candidates must complete employment verification and reference checks, state and federal criminal background checks including fingerprinting, and an Arizona tax filing records check; an ASEDRA Authorized Driver Identification Check applies if relevant.
All newly hired State employees must successfully complete E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in accounting or law, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field with experience in taxation.

Responsibilities

Review, research, analyze, interpret, and discuss income tax matters and related legal issues, policies, and procedures, orally and in writing.
Review and defend income tax audits appealed by taxpayers and determine whether audit positions are legally defensible.
Prepare written discovery requests to taxpayers and their representatives or attorneys, and analyze the taxpayer’s and Department’s respective positions.
Provide expertise and complex analysis in support of the Income Tax Audit Units.
Modify assessments when necessary.
Represent the Department at hearings in person and through written legal memoranda, and in appeals of Hearing Officer decisions to the Director.
When appropriate, prepare, file, and argue appeals of Hearing Officer decisions to the Director.
Assist the Attorney General’s Office with litigated income tax cases by providing case background, legal research, and/or testimony.
Assist other Appeals Units as necessary and perform other duties requested by the Supervisor or Deputy Assistant Director.
Assist in developing a structured approach to identifying and eliminating non-value-added process steps division-wide and recommend ways to integrate Lean methods into the Unit’s continuous-improvement strategy.
Assist in managing the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of Lean principles and projects for the Unit.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System and long-term disability plans.
10 paid holidays per year.
Vacation accrual of 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first three years.
Sick time accrual of 3.70 hours bi-weekly.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child, through a pilot program.
Deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement.
Infant at Work Program.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Career advancement and employee development opportunities.
Flexible schedules to support work/life balance.